Make A Difference: Martin House

Who: Willis, a formerly homeless man who has experienced mental illness and poverty.

Agency: Martin House

His situation: Willis, 56, has lived at Martin House since 2006. He was referred by his Reliance House case manager after his wife became ill. She needed the care of a nursing home, which left Willis to live alone. Martin House provided Willis with a new, extended family. He gives back to the community by sharing information about how mental illness has affected him. He works on improving his life every day.

What to give: Willis enjoys decorating his room. He needs an 8-by-10-foot area rug, a new window mini-blind or curtains, a twin size sheet set and comforter set. He wears size 36/32 pants and size large shirts. Willis enjoys spiritual/inspirational books and spends time writing in notebooks.

To Donate: Gifts can be dropped off or mailed to Martin House, 401 West Thames Street, Bldg. 700, Norwich, CT 06360. Financial donations for Willis should be made out to Martin House with “Willis” in the memo line. For more information call (860) 889-6150 and ask for CaraLynn Turner.